In the morning, visit the magnificent Shore Temple, one of the oldest temples in South India. Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Golden Palate restaurant, which serves a variety of cuisines. After lunch, ride to the Five Rathas, a group of monolithic rock-cut temples. Then, visit the Mahabalipuram Beach and witness the breathtaking sunset.
Begin the day by visiting the iconic Pancha Rathas, a set of five monolithic temples. Next, explore the Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance, a mammoth open-air bas-relief. Then, head to the Tiger Cave, a rock-cut Hindu temple complex. In the evening, take a 30-minute ride to Thirukkalukundram, a temple town, and witness the stunning sunset over the hills.
Take a day trip to Kanchipuram, a city of thousand temples. Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple. Have lunch at the famous Murugan Idli Shop, which serves authentic South Indian food. After lunch, visit the Kanchi Kudil, a traditional house that showcases the life of the people of Kanchipuram.
If you have extra time, you can plan a day trip to Chennai, which is only an hour's drive from Mahabalipuram. Also, don't miss out on the cultural shows that take place in the evening at the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival. Make sure to carry enough water and sunscreen, as it can get hot during the day. Finally, do not forget to try the local seafood, especially the prawn and fish dishes.
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